Ministry of Education
PM launches ‘PM Vishwakarma’ for traditional artisans and craftspeople on occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti
Union MoS Dr. Subhas Sarkar attends the launch of the visionary scheme in Gangtok
“The divine architect Vishwakarma considered the Principal Architect of the Universe, following the footsteps of Bhagwan Vishwakarma Our Prime Minister is also building Naya Bharat by sharing a commitment to societal betterment, innovation, skill development, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and skill.” - Dr. Subhas Sarkar
“The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, at its core, is a testament to our commitment to these skilled artisans.”-Dr. Subhas Sarkar
“As we launch the PM Vishwakarma Scheme today, we are taking a giant leap towards making our artisans not just vocal, but truly global.” -Dr. Subhas Sarkar
In commemoration of 'Vishwakarma Jayanti', Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme for the benefit of traditional artisans in Dwarka, New Delhi today. Dr. Subhas Sarkar, Minister of State for Education, Government of India, attended the launch of the visionary scheme through video conferencing facility at Chintan Bhawan, in Gangtok.
Dr. Sarkar in his address stated that the Prime Minister following the footsteps of the Principal Architect of the Universe, Bhagwan Vishwakarma, is also building a Naya Bharat by sharing a commitment to societal betterment, innovation, skill development, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and skill.
“PM Vishwakarma Scheme, at its core, is a testament to our commitment to these skilled artisans. This visionary initiative is not merely about preserving our rich heritage of artisanal skills; it's about propelling our artisans and craftspeople onto the global stage. “, Dr Sarkar remarked
Union MoS said that, as we launch the PM Vishwakarma Scheme today, we are taking a giant leap towards making our artisans not just vocal, but truly global. It aims to provide financial stability, recognition, and skill development opportunities to artisans. Beneficiaries will receive a toolkit incentive of Rs. 15,000, basic skill training with a stipend, collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 3 lakh with very low interest, and marketing support, among other benefits.
“This ambitious initiative aims to empower 30 lakh artisans across India over the next five years, with an investment of Rs. 13,000 crore. It's not just a scheme; it's a movement to ensure that our artisans not only preserve their traditions but also thrive on the global stage.” he added
MoS also interacted with the beneficiaries of PM Vishwakarma during the event. Earlier, the District Magistrate of Gangtok Shri Tushar G Nikhare delivered the welcome speech.
Shri YT Lepcha MLA, Dr Sonam Tshring Venchungpa MLA, Shri Karma R Bonpo, Secretary, Commerce & Industry Sikkim Government, Shri Karma Namgyal Bhutia, Secretary, Skill Development Department Sikkim Government and Executive Director Shri LK Tripathy were present on the occasion.
Background
PM Vishwakarma
It has been the sustained focus of the Prime Minister to give support to the people engaged in traditional crafts. This focus is driven by the desire to not only support the artisans and craftspeople financially but also to keep the age-old tradition, culture and diverse heritage alive and flourishing through local products, art and crafts.
PM Vishwakarma will be fully funded by the Union Government with an outlay of Rs 13,000 crores. Under the scheme, the Vishwakarmas will be registered free of charge through Common Services Centres using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal. They will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, toolkit incentive of ₹15,000, collateral-free credit support up to ₹1 lakh  and ₹2 lakh  at a concessional interest rate of 5%, incentive for digital transactions and marketing support.
The Scheme aims to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara or family-based practice of traditional skills by Vishwakarmas working with their hands and tools. The prime focus of PM Vishwakarma is to improve the quality as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that they are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.
The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas across India. Eighteen traditional crafts will be covered under PM Vishwakarma. These include  Carpenter;  Boat Maker;  Armourer;  Blacksmith ;  Hammer and Tool Kit Maker;  Locksmith;  Goldsmith;  Potter;  Sculptor, Stone breaker;  Cobbler ;  Mason ;  Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver;  Doll & Toy Maker ;  Barber;  Garland maker;  Washerman;  Tailor; and  Fishing Net Maker.